A woman who served as a ‘wren’ in the Women’s Royal Naval Service during World War II has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Ellen Marie Hellings, from Ystrad Mynach, marked the milestone on Friday, September 27.
Mrs Hellings celebrated the event with a party at her care home in Nelson with family, friends, fellow residents and staff.
The centenarian received a card from the Queen, as well as having lots of food and entertainment at her party, which coincided with the Harvest Festival.
After the war had finished, Mrs Hellings, worked as a dinner lady at Ystrad Mynach Primary school.
In September 1948, Mrs Hellings married her childhood sweetheart, Basil, and together they had one daughter, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Mrs Hellings said that the secret to a long and happy life was down to having lots of fun and leading a happy life.
Her main hobbies include knitting, reading, shopping and going to chapel.
Leah Mort, home manager at HC-One’s Trafalgar Park care home, said: “Ellen is a lovely lady and such an inspiration to the whole team at Trafalgar Park, as well as fellow Residents.
“It was amazing to see her smiling all day long as she celebrated her 100th birthday alongside her loved ones.”